Ismaïl Aissati is a Dutch footballer born in 1988 in Utrecht. He is best known as the youngest Dutch player ever to compete in the UEFA Champions League, a milestone he reached at age 17 against AC Milan. Aissati began his professional career at PSV Eindhoven before transferring to AFC Ajax in 2008. His career includes international representation for the Netherlands at the U21 level and eventually for the Moroccan national team.
The youngest Dutch player ever to compete in the UEFA Champions League, Ismaïl Aissati made his debut in the elite tournament at age 17 against AC Milan. Born in Utrecht in 1988, he spent his formative years at PSV Eindhoven before transitioning to AFC Ajax, navigating a career marked by early promise, significant injury setbacks, and international recognition.
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Take the IQ test →Early Career and PSV Eindhoven
Aissati joined PSV Eindhoven in 2000 at age twelve, following stints at DSO Utrecht and USV Elinkwijk. By 2005, he had turned professional. His league debut occurred on 28 August 2005 in a victory against Roda JC. During his first season, he played 17 league matches and scored two goals. Although he attracted interest from European clubs such as Barcelona, Aissati remained at PSV until 2008. His tenure included a loan spell at FC Twente during the latter half of the 2006–07 season, where he impressed critics with his performance, scoring against ADO Den Haag shortly after his debut.
Transition to AFC Ajax
In July 2008, Aissati moved to AFC Ajax in a deal worth approximately 4 million euros, becoming one of the few players in history to transfer directly between the rival clubs. His initial period at Ajax was hindered by a severe knee injury sustained in September 2008, which sidelined him for several months. He eventually returned to the pitch in early 2009. Under manager Martin Jol, he struggled for consistent playing time and faced public scrutiny regarding his physical fitness. Despite these challenges, he made 14 league appearances during the 2009–10 season, finding the net against Heracles Almelo, Heerenveen, and Vitesse.
Loan Periods and International Representation
Aissati spent the 2010–11 season on loan at Vitesse, where he demonstrated form that prompted his recall to the Ajax first team under Frank de Boer. Having initially represented the Netherlands at the U21 level, he reached the all-star squad at the 2006 UEFA Under-21 Football Championship while playing against older opponents. In 2007, he opted to represent Morocco internationally. Due to an injury sustained after his 2009 call-up, his official debut for the Moroccan national team was delayed until 9 October 2011.
Fast facts
- Born: 16 August 1988, Utrecht
- Professional Debut: 28 August 2005
- International Eligibility: Netherlands and Morocco
- Position: Midfielder
- First Professional Goal: 4 February 2006
- Ajax Transfer Fee: 4 million euros
- Morocco National Team Debut: 9 October 2011
Questions readers ask
Which international team did Aissati choose to represent?
After playing for the Dutch U21 team, he elected to represent Morocco in 2007.
What record did Aissati set in the UEFA Champions League?
He became the youngest Dutch player ever to participate in the tournament when he played against AC Milan in 2005.
